This week we'll be joined by Tiffany Hensley-McBain, who will tell us about a private COVID-19 resource center. Join us at noon - at the country club or on Zoom! If you attend in person, please be sure to bring along a mask to ensure the safety of others in attendance.
Last Week at Rotary
In our annual tradition, last week we were entertained by student musicians from one of the local schools. This year we heard from the string orchestra of East Middle School, conducted by Lisa Shull.
Playing perhaps the most challenging of musical instruments, these students showed a remarkable prowess, even tackling the "winter" portion of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" with aplomb. Lisa joined the students in this number and it was impressive to see students and their teachers performing as one.
In this season of gift-giving, what a gift to these students -- and through them, to the entire community -- to be able to offer a music program of this caliber to the children of Great Falls!
We also enjoyed the presence of the spouses of several members and two special guests last week. Trisha Harp Gardner, who has led the City-County Health Department through the challenges of the pandemic, joined us as she embarks on a new job with the state. Rotarians extended our thanks for her service ... and, of course, exulted in the joy of having a Harp at our holiday program again. Evening Rotarian Eric Hinebauch also joined us and we congratulated him on his new position as a City Commissioner.
Another nice holiday luncheon!
Voting Results
The slate of candidates who will assume office on July 1, 2022, was unanimously approved last week. Most of the candidates either retain an office or "move through the chairs" of the presidency. However, we are pleased to see Jesse Mahugh in the line to the presidency and Bill Bronson assume the importance office of secretary. Congratulations to you both and heartfelt thanks to all of you board members who dedicate so much time and talent to Rotary Club of Great Falls.
The dues increase was also approved recently. If you have paid your annual dues for this year already, don't forget to pay the $35 dues increase at your earliest convenience. For those of you who pay quarterly, please add an additional $17.50 to your remaining payments.
Celebrating Spouses
Last week's meeting was also notable for the spontaneous celebration of Rotary spouses. The first kudos came for Gaines McFadden, husband of Beth and honorary member of our club for many years. Last week the Great Falls Public Schools presented him and Dan Oakland with its Good Apple Award for his philanthropy. Gaines and Dan raised funds, crafted and donated 100 students desks to provide students homebound by the pandemic "A Desk of Their Own." School board trustee and fellow Rotarian Mark Finnicum wanted all Rotarians to know what Beth knows so well: Gaines is always going the extra mile for somebody or something, and the extra mile of the "Desk of Their Own" project made a big difference in a lot of kids' lives.
David Cameron added to the celebration with a presentation that began simply with the statement, "I am so proud of my wife." Tanya Cameron has fulfilled a dream many years in the making. When her grandfather, a pre-revolution well-to-do Russian, left some 600 pages of memories upon his passing, Tanya took up the task of translating them, adding context, and getting them published. This required that she learn enough Russian to do the translation, visit Russia to document the places and events he described, and find the scholarly home for this important legacy. The Hoover Institute of Stanford University has become that home. A remarkable achievement! Congratulations to Tanya and David.
Milestones
Happy birthday on December 20 to honorary member Ken Munski! What a stellar member he has been! Also of note, December marks Fred Anderson's 30th anniversary as a Rotarian. That's a lot of years of service above self. Thanks for all you bring to the club, Fred.
Weekly Wisdom: Onset of Winter
Find out where joy resides and give it a voice beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all.
